'I can't believe we have this opportunity': Sussex Hamilton High School marching band prepares for trip to Europe

 

SUSSEX, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A group of hometown students are preparing to pack their bags for a spectacular European trip.

Marching band students at Sussex Hamilton High School were selected to help parts of Rome, Italy celebrate the year 2025.

"The fact that our high school band our group gets to do this is absolutely insane, I can't believe we have this opportunity," said Zach Kabara, a senior at Sussex Hamilton High School.

Students in the marching band will perform in the 2025 Roman New Year's Day parade.

The high school students will join nearly 2,000 performers, marching through the City of Seven Hills as Europe and the rest of the world celebrate the year 2025.

"They're experiencing new worlds with their friends, colleagues, peer group, and at the same time they're gaining a whole lot of life experience which is going to stand them a good stead forever," said Bob Bone, Founder and Executive Director of Rome New Year's Parade.

Bone went on to say bringing American marching bands across seas expands the mind of European spectators.

"The bands we want, the group we want, are those that are intent on playing music that's entertaining for the crowd, and adapting to the conditions in which they are performing," said Bone.

"Being able to bring something like that to my students has been really important and exciting for me," said Jon Waite, Director of Instrumental Music at Sussex Hamilton High School.

Waite said, the students will put in hours of training before hitting the eternal city.

"We'll start right away when the school year begins in August and September and we will start to put our plans together," said Waite.

The dolce vita trip is shaping up to be what dreams are made of.